Living with Covid strategy announced in England

2 mins read

Tuesday 22 February 2022

Tags: covid, listening ear, restrictions

Yesterday the government announced a new living with Covid strategy in England, which will see all restrictions ending:

  • From Thursday, it will not be a legal requirement to self isolate if you have Covid symptoms. However it is advised that adults and children who test positive, do stay at home for at least 5 days and then continue to follow the guidance until they receive two negative tests on consecutive days.
  • Regular testing is still advised for special educational needs and disability (SEND) settings, alternative provision, and SEND units in mainstream schools or the equivalent in colleges. But mainstream schools and other education settings will no longer be advised to test twice-weekly.  
  • Contact tracing will end and contacts of people testing positive will no longer have to test or isolate.
  • Free lateral flow testing will end on 1 April. Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson did say that older and vulnerable groups would continue to have access to free tests.

Rules in the devolved nations

In Scotland, there won’t be a legal requirement to wear a face mask in shops and public transport from 21 March, although it will still be advised. Testing will continue to be provided free of charge and if someone tests positive they are required to isolate.

In Wales, they also continue to require people to self isolate for a minimum of 5 days if they test positive for Covid. From 28 February pupils will not need to wear a face mask in class, but they will continue to be required in shops, public transport and other indoor venues.

In Northern Ireland rules limiting numbers meeting indoors in private homes and requirements to wear face masks in public places were removed on Tuesday.

Worried about the changes?

We understand that some families who have a clinically extremely vulnerable child, might find this concerning. If you are worried about how this will affect you and your family, it could help to talk. Our Listening Ear team can help with emotional support and practical advice through 1-1 telephone appointments.